Hair Restoration

The Path To Hair Restoration

2008-02-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

Normal hair loss is a common occurrence. At any given time, approximately 10% of your hair is dormant and susceptible to normal shedding. The problem is when the shedding is excessive. It is when thinning hair becomes obvious that most people become concerned with hair restoration options.

Some of the reasons of abnormal hair loss may include:

+ Health concerns such as major illness, fungal infections, hypo or hyper thyroidism, and hormone imbalances;

+ Reaction to medications used to treat cancer, diabetes, lupus, gout, birth control, and anti-depressants;

+ Improper hair care, including excessive use of chemicals and blow-drying;

+ Genetics;

+ Poor diet, including too much fried and fatty foods, a lack of fruits or green vegetables, and dehydration.

What are the options?

While an estimated 95% of all excessive hair loss is generic, there is a chance a family doctor or a professional hairstylist can provide the quickest and least expense answer to hair restoration. A medical doctor can do a full physical, do the appropriate blood work, and review medications and diet. He can recommend changes that may help with hair regrowth. The hairstylist can look at the condition of the hair and work up a hair care routine that may correct the damage. This routine may include hot oil treatments, scalp massage, and a change of conditioner and shampoo. The stylist may also recommend a haircut to reduce the appearance of thinning hair.

In the event the doctor or hairstylist is unable to assist in reducing the hair loss back to normal levels, topical minoxidil, marketed as Rogaine, was the first FDA approved method of regrowing hair. To be effective, minoxidil is applied to the scalp twice a day. It works best for those who are young and have only recently begun to experience abnormal hair loss, according to Pharmacia & Upjohn. Skeptics question whether the product actually promotes as much new growth as it does reduce the amount of loss.

Also available to sufferers of hair loss is the FDA-approved finasteride, which is marketed as Propecia. Propecia works best on male pattern baldness. Not only has it been proven to restore hair growth, it also improves the thickness and strength of each hair strand.

Often, Propecia, Rogaine, or a combination of both is used in conjunction with hair transplants to optimize the hair restoration process. The process of hair transplants involves removing hair from the densely covered areas of the head and, using a needle, implant those hairs to the thinning section of the head.

Those suffering from male-pattern baldness may also choose a scalp reduction. A scalp reduction is the surgical process of removing large sections of the bald scalp, then the skin from the densely haired sections of the head are stretched to replace the area of scalp that is removed.

If medications and surgery seem too extreme, those suffering from abnormal hair loss still have the option of wearing a hairpiece. While no two toupees, or hairpieces, are created equally, a toupee can look natural. Many who opt for the hairpiece option join a "hair club," which offer members service that will keep their hairpieces cleaned, colored, and offering the optimal fit.

Remember, all medications and surgical procedures involve a certain amount of risk, and no hair restoration solution is guaranteed to work. Before agreeing to a hair restoration regime, consult with a doctor and know your risks.

Making the right hair restoration decision

Deciding whether hair restoration is right for you is a personal decision. Some people are more concerned than others with hair loss. Deciding which hair restoration method will work best for you is something to discuss with a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss. Many issues such as health, habits, budget, and tolerance to pain will need to be considered before creating a plan of action.

By: Jerry Blackburn

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jerry Blackburn distributed a lot of articles for www.hair-loss-tips.com an online source of information. Robert is particularly focusing on Hair Restoration www.hair-loss-tips.com/hair-restoration.html and Hair Replacemnt. You may use this article online and in your email newsletters as long as you leave all links intact.

Hair Transplant Replacement Surgery - Medical Hair Restoration

2007-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Most everyone who experiences hair loss, longs for their hair to be as it was. People are sometimes willing to try just about anything to achieve this goal. There are treatments, cover-ups, and other options. If you have thinning hair you should discuss it with your doctor. This will hopefully weed out it being caused by something physical and determine which treatment or cover-up might best meet your needs.

Thinning Hair Possible Causes

There are many things that can cause hair thinning and which cause people to seek out methods of hair restoration. Physical and emotional stress may have an effect on hair loss. Illnesses and very high fevers can cause hair to thin out. Nervous habits that can result in hair loss include any one of the following: pulling on your hair, pulling hair out, or unduly rubbing your scalp. Medical conditions such as Thyroid problems may also play a part in thinning hair.

Medications may also trigger hair thinning. Medication that is used in chemotherapy and in radiation treatments cause hair to fall out. The good news is that once the medications are stopped you will see hair re-growth over time.

Hormonal changes such as the use of birth control, pregnancy, or child birth can affect hair loss. Levels of testosterone in men are also known to cause hair loss. Men who have low levels of testosterone do not have typical male pattern baldness.

A chemical called DHT- dihydrotestosterone is an enzyme and causes healthy follicles to shrink causing hairs to fall out. Testosterone and DHT are known as male hormones and when present in excess will cause hair to fall out. The presence of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase appears in high levels. It then becomes DHT. This destroys soft hairs till they fall out for good.

Methods of Hair Restoration

There are different types of hair restoration available. Pharmaceutical treatments can include oral medications such as Finasteride. Topical treatments are applied to the scalp and minoxidil is one such treatment.

Surgical treatments include hair transplant therapy. In transplants, healthy hair including the follicles are removed and placed in thinning areas of the scalp. Hair Cloning is taking a number of healthy hair and follicles, reproducing them, and planting them where they are needed. Hair cloning is new and has the potential of producing a high amount of new hairs. Both procedures are time consuming, painful, and expensive.

Natural treatments are an option including natural supplements. These supplements have fewer side effects and are less costly than some other treatments. These supplements have a blend of ingredients that together are believed to promote hair re-growth. Some of these ingredients include vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.

Cover-ups

There are sprays that may closely match your hair color that "fill in" bald spots by using miniscule synthetic fibers. This is not a permanent solution. It just fills it in and does not last. There are hair pieces, wigs, weaves, and extensions available that are much more real looking and can be styled in almost any style you want. This is the cheapest and safest option.

Conclusion

Hair thinning is a reality for many people. As a result, there is a great demand for hair restoration products or procedures. Consultation with your doctor will help you to determine the hair restoration method that will best meet your needs all the way around.

About the author: Read out Home remedies . Also check out for herbs and natural weight loss.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Medical Hair Restoration

2007-10-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Medical hair restoration in the literal sense includes the hair loss treatment which depends upon the use of medicines. Unusual hair loss both in men and women is caused by the alterations in the androgen metabolism. The metabolism of androgen involves an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase which combines with the hormone androgen (testosterone) to form the DHT (Dihydro-testosterone). DHT is a natural metabolite of our body which is the root cause of hair loss.

DHT gets into the hair follicles and roots (dermal papilla), it prevents necessary proteins, vitamins and minerals from providing nourishment for hair follicles. This shortens their growing stage (anagen phase) and lengthens their resting stage (telogen phase) of the follicle. DHT is responsible for 95% of hair loss.

Some individuals both men and women are genetically pre-disposed to produce more DHT than the normal individuals. DHT also creates a wax-like substance around the hair roots. DHT accumulation inside the hair follicles and roots is one of the primary causes of male and female pattern hair loss.

Blocking the synthesis of DHT at molecular level forms the basis for the treatment of MPHL (male pattern hair loss) and FPHL (female pattern hair loss). There are many natural DHT blockers and a number of drugs which are used for medical hair restoration. Let’s see.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil has the distinction of the first drug being used for promoting the hair restoration. Minoxidil was then approved as medical hair restoration treatment drug for men by the FDA, USA in 1988 as a 2% solution, followed by 5% solution in 1997. For women, the 2% solution was approved in 1991. Though 5% solution is not approved for women, it is used as a medical hair restoration treatment by many dermatologists worldwide.

Mechanism of action

Minoxidil is thought to have a direct mitogenic effect on epidermal cells. Calcium normally enhances epidermal growth factors to inhibit hair growth. Minoxidil by getting converted to minoxidil sulfate enhances potassium ion permeability to prevent calcium ions from entering into cells. It takes about few months time for the results to be evident since it is the time which is necessary for restoring the normal growth cycle of hair fibers.

Though minoxidil does not have any effect on blood pressure, it should be used with caution in patient with cardiovascular diseases. It is also contraindicated in pregnant and nursing mothers.

Finasteride

The drug finasteride was earlier used as treatment for prostate enlargement, under the medical name Proscar. But in 1998, it was approved by FDA for the Medical hair loss restoration in MPHL.

Mechanism of Action

Medical hair restoration treatments with Finasteride depends upon its specific action as an inhibitor of type II 5α-reductase, the intracellular enzyme that converts male hormone androgen into DHT (Dihydro Testosterone). Its action results in significant decrease in serum and tissue DHT levels in even in concentration as low as 0.2mg. Finasteride stabilizes hair loss in 80% of patient with Vertex hair loss and in 70% of patients with frontal hair loss. The peculiar thing about Propecia is that its effect is more pronounced in crown area than in the front.

Many hair restoration surgeons find Propecia (finasteride) to act as an excellent adjunct to the surgical hair restoration.

Combination Therapy

There are reports which say that use of finasteride and topical minoxidil combination therapy as a Medical hair restoration treatment is of more advantage in cases of mild to moderate MPHL. Many hair restoration doctors have already started the use of combination therapy in order to obtain better hair growth.

Anti Androgen Therapy

For women with hyperandrogonism(with increased levels of androgen) who do not respond well to minoxidil, antiandrogen therapy is another option of medical hair restoration. In UK the most commonly used anti-androgen for women is CPA (cyproterone acetate), which is used in combination with ethinyl-estradiol.

In United States CPA is not available, the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone is the alternative choice of hair restoration doctors.

Flutamide

Medical hair restoration with flutamide has shown improvement as hair loss restoration treatment in women with hirsutism. For hyperandrogenic premenopausal women, flutamide is a better medical hair restoration agent than both the CPA or finestride.

Hair loss restoration management is a structured process. For more details on the topic you can refer to section medical hair restoration or article on male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss at our site hairtransplantadvice.com.

About The Author: The author Steve Harris is an expert in female pattern hair loss and medical hair restoration. Please visit http://www.hairtransplantadvice.com/.
Source: http://www.articlecity.com

Hair Loss Solution - Hair Restoration for thinning hair

2007-10-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hair loss and thinning hair have been sensitive and frustrating issues for men throughout history. The etiology and treatment of hair loss have stirred up tremendous controversy. Treating hair loss has been marked by various myths, unproven theories and efforts focusing on different explanations for the problem, ranging from poor circulation and nutrition to mites and clogged hair follicles.

blame your bloodline

Recently, medical science was finally able to identify the main cause of hair loss. Now, it's a known medical fact that hair loss stems from genetic and hormonal causes. Androgenetic alopecia or "male and female pattern hair loss" is implicated in 95% of cases as an inherited condition.

However, having the genes alone is not enough to cause hair loss. In addition to the genes, the presence of a hormone is needed to activate the genes, just as a key is necessary to open a lock. The key in this case is a hormonal byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is created in the human body, and new research shows that this hormone is responsible for the progressive miniaturization of the genetically predisposed hair follicle. Under the suppressive effects of DHT, hair follicles become thinner and finer until the hair is permanently lost.

nothing like pharmaceuticals

Propecia® is a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved synthetic medication available by prescription only to men. It works by reducing DHT levels. Studies show that Propecia® is able to stop hair loss and the miniaturization process, as well as regrow hair. However, Propecia® must be taken orally, and because it reduces DHT systemically, it may be associated with side effects including loss of libido.

Rogaine® is the first FDA approved medication for hair loss. It works by stimulating hair follicles and keeping them in the growth phase, thereby reducing hair loss. Rogaine® has worked well for most individuals, stimulating hair regrowth mainly by activating dormant hair follicles on the crown of the scalp. Although Rogaine® is a potent activator of the hair follicle, it does not work on the cause of hair loss, DHT.

the best so far

http://www.scalpmeds.com

Revivogen® although not FDA approved, is a natural topical formula that works through the same mechanism as Propecia®. Revivogen is made with natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to reduce DHT production. In fact, the active ingredients in Revivogen reduce DHT even more effectively than Propecia®.

In addition, these ingredients prevent DHT's attachment to hair follicles, which is not done by Propecia®. Because Revivogen is used topically and derives from natural ingredients, it does not affect DHT production elsewhere in the body; therefore, it has no systemic side effects and is safe for use by both genders.

By reducing DHT's production and its destructive effects on hair follicles, the weakened and miniaturized hairs become thicker and stronger again, leading to a fuller, healthier head of hair. By targeting the cause of hair loss at a molecular level, Revivogen is a one-of-a-kind product that uses the power of nature to revitalize and protect the hair.

give it three months

http://www.scalpmeds.com

Within 90 days of using Revivogen, a significant decrease in hair loss and thickening of existing hair may be noted. Within three to six months of use, the revitalized hairs will make the scalp look fuller and denser. With continued use, the hair quality will continue to improve and stay healthy, with best results occurring after 12 to 18 months.

Once the desired results are achieved, continued use of Revivogen is needed to maintain the revitalized hairs. This is because the body is continuously producing DHT. Therefore, the hair follicles need to constantly be protected from its destructive effects. However, once maximum results are obtained, the daily use of Revivogen can be decreased to several times a week for maintenance purposes.

tested and true

Dermatologist conducted studies on Revivogen, has shown 85% success rate in stopping the progression of hair loss and reversing its effects.

A three-month supply of Revivogen includes the Anti-DHT Scalp Therapy formula and Bio-Cleansing Shampoo, and costs only $99. That's about $33 per month. The company also provides a 90-day money back guarantee to its customers. You can learn more about Revivogen and order it at http://www.scalpmeds.com

Copyright © 2005 Scalp Meds Co. All rights reserved
About The Author: Sam Hanson writes about Natural Hair Loss Solutions. Read more about Hair Loss Solutions at http://www.scalpmeds.com.
Source: http://www.articlecity.com

Hair Restoration Surgery Costs

2007-09-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

You may be facing hair loss, and contemplating a follicular hair transplant. However, just one factor is dragging you behind. The hair restoration cost.

So is it expensive?

Well, you very much have the option to go for an affordable hair restoration. And that too without compromising on the quality. The cost depends on various factors like the clinic, its location, etc.

Hair restoration - A cost-effective method

Certainly nobody can call hair restoration to be a cheap process. But on the flip side, it is certainly a cost-effective process. Why? Because, it offers you a permanent solution for your hair problem.

One might argue that medicinal treatment of hair loss is a cheaper option. Yes, it is apparently so. However, the picture will be different if you calculate the total amount of money spent on medicinal treatment and hair transplant procedure. Why? Because you have to spend money on medicinal treatment for over a long period.

Factors affecting hair restoration costs

There are several factors that affect the surgery cost. For example, the choice of the clinic. There are some clinics that charge per graft implantation, while some others charge even for anesthesia. Clinics follow two types of methods to measure the total cost of hair transplantation surgery - cost per follicular unit transplanted and cost per hair restoration operation. In the first approach the number of grafts can directly affect the surgery cost. In this approach the more grafts used the more costly the operation is. A number of US and Canadian hair transplantation centers offer cost-effective surgery with cost per hair restoration surgery.

Factors behind cost differences

Some of the factors behind cost differences are as follows –

o Reputation of the surgeon
o Heavy advertising budget of the clinic, as it will try to make it by charging you heavily
o Attractive surrounding of the clinic, as it needs money to spend on its maintenance
o If the clinic has a huge number of employees, as then the clinic needs more money to pay its employees
o If the hair restoration is not a standard one, but one for correcting burn injury, eyebrow transplantation, etc.

Is there insurance cover for hair restoration cost?

In general hair restoration cost is not covered by insurance, as it is a cosmetic surgery. However, the operation is considered a reconstructive treatment in case it is necessitated by some accident or burn. In that case it comes under the purview of health insurance.

You are better advised to check with your insurance agent about availability and extent of the insurance coverage.

About the Author: Charles Browwn is a hair care specialist with an all round experience in the field. He contributes regular articles on hair restoration surgery, hair restoration cost, etc.
Source: ArticleTrader.com

Hair Transplant Procedures & Costs

2007-09-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

Hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is a condition that affects both men and women. Surgical hair transplantation is the only solution for restoring the lost hair in pattern baldness when medical hair restoration does not offer you a good hair re-growth.

If you have well-defined and clearly established areas or patterns of baldness on the crown with healthy dense coverage of hair at the sides and the back of the head, you are probably suitable for a hair transplant surgery. Hair that is transplanted in the frontal region of the skull generally offers the best results. However, a hair transplant procedure can also be carried out on any other area of your head if you have some bald patch there.

It is best to have detailed information about the hair transplant procedure before you make plans to undergo a surgery. It is only after you have read through all the information that you can understand and appreciate the significance of surgical hair restoration. The information will also help you decider whether you are the right candidate for the hair transplant surgery.

Now that you are well informed, you would probably think whether the hair transplantation is at all affordable? Hair transplant cost varies depending upon your past medical history, the degree and extent of your hair loss, possibility of medical hair restoration as an adjunct for surgical hair restoration, number of sessions that would will be required for hair transplant surgery, etc. It is after placing due considerations to these factors that your hair restoration surgeon will be able to chalk out an affordable hair transplant treatment plan for you.

Before you make a decision to undergo hair transplant procedure, it is better that you make a consultation visit to the hair transplantation surgeon. This consultation will give you some idea about the hair transplant cost for your surgery.
In general, the average hair transplant cost in USA ranges from $3,690 to $ 9, 800. In some cases it can also be as high as $ 15, 000. The hair transplant cost varies considerably from person to person, and also depends on how many grafts you need, the number of sessions involved, and the hair transplant center or clinic you visit. Clinics in California charge more on average than clinics in Texas. Going to Canada or to Mexico for the hair transplant will be cheaper.
Remember that the hair transplants costs & prices should not be the main reason for choosing a particular hair transplant surgeon, though it is an important factor for most patients. The cost of hair transplant surgery at most hair restoration centers in the USA is based on the size of a hair transplant "session" not on the number of hair follicle units transplanted. This is simply because some grafts contain more hair follicles than others.

About the Author: Michelle Hudson is writes informative articles for various internet magazines about the hair transplants procedures. She writes descriptive information about expenditure of hair transplant procedures.
Source: ArticleTrader.com

Hair Restoration: Options That Work!

2007-08-12T02:26:00.000-07:00

Until the 1990s, hair restoration meant surgery: you had to have hair transplants taken from somewhere else (usually the back and sides of your head), then grafted onto your bald spot. Before hair replacement surgery , however, replacement options were limited. Thankfully, there are many different options available today for both men and women!

Out with the old myths and in with the new solutions!

Many old time hair loss remedies usually focused on increasing circulation to the scalp, by massaging or rubbing; moistening the scalp with oils and herbs; or covering up the loss with wigs. And who can forget the instant hair in a can spray paint that you squirted on your head to cover your bald spot? That particular treatment ranks right up there with restoration remedies like sleeping on stones and rubbing goose poop on your head. It's a desperation move; and as your doctor can tell you, that kind of desperation is no longer necessary.
The modern reality of Propecia and Rogaine

Today we have not just one hair loss treatment that really works, but several hair loss remedies and procedures are available! Transplantation surgery performed by a competent doctor is more effective than ever, but nothing beats the effectiveness of drugs like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). These treatments can not only stop hair loss, but in some cases can result in true hair replacement. Transplants may be painful, so if you can get the original hair back without treatment surgery, why not try a more natural hair loss remedy first?
How do these products work?

Propecia was discovered in the early 1990s, when clinical trials of a new medical drug used for male hormone therapy showed that many of the test subjects had stopped balding. Propecia, which comes in pill form, works for restoration of hair loss by inhibiting follicular shrinking, which ironically enough results from excessive concentrations of male hormones. This is called androgenetic alopecia. Propecia can only be used by men; as a steroid derivative, it's dangerous to pregnant women. The second drug, Rogaine, encourages restoration of hair in the same way: by decreasing shrinkage of the follicles. However, Rogaine is usually applied directly to the scalp and it's safe for use by both genders.

Are there specific factors that pre-determine hair loss?

For reasons we don't fully understand, many human males are genetically destined to become bald or suffer from some hair loss as they age. It's a sex-linked natural process that men can thank their mothers for. The genes for hair loss and baldness are located on the X-chromosome that the mother contributes to a child's genome. If the child is a girl, she has an extra X-chromosome, and if it's normal it masks the effect of the baldness genes and she never has to worry about losing her hair. But if the child is a boy, he gets an X-chromosome and a Y-chromosome, and has no genetic protection against baldness. If nothing's done, he'll be bald or suffer from some loss of hair later in life. Baldness is hormone linked; when male hormones reach a certain level, scalp follicles respond by shrinking until the hair is lost. Because of the sex link, men are almost ten times more likely to develop baldness than women.
So what's baldness for?

While there are many theories - there are no solid conclusions to the hair loss mystery. Some people think it's the next step in our evolution, as people become less furry. Others argue that loss of hair is intended as a visual clue that the bald individual is mature and virile, or, conversely, that he's getting too old to breed. The jury's still out on that one. The good news is that with modern restoration treatments, from transplantation to Rogaine, there's no reason to give up your locks without a fight.

Brand New - The ProCede Hair Product is Revolutionary!
What is Procede Hair? It's a new hair restoration product just released on the market that requires only one application every three months. This treatment for hair loss or thinning hair has produced dramatic results and is by far the easiest treatment to use. This system provides thicker hair that can easily be seen in some people within 48 hours of the first treatment. Like any other product for hair loss, it has gone through many scientific studies and testing that prove that ProCede is both safe to use and quite effective.

The ProCede hair loss treatment does not contain any Minoxidil so you don't have to worry about any possible side-effects. After each application, you do have to wait for 48 hours before resuming your normal hair care regimen, such as using shampoos and conditioners. The manufacturers of ProCede do recommend Pro Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, but you can use your regular products if you wish. The recommended products do not contain any chemicals that may interact with the Procede and cause irritation to your scalp.

Source:http://www.hairlosscontrolinc.com/